April 2025 - Build Wisely

 "Why would we undo the work our parents have already done in coming this far?" (Hannah)

"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage." (Psalm 16:6)

The goal of the Christian life is sanctification, becoming more like Christ. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1Peter 1:16) Yet it seems today, that so many of my generation have forgotten. Those like me, raised as second or third generation Christians, have not experienced the world firsthand so it can look enticing. Rather than striving to become holier, we seek to see how much we can get away with while still "doing right". Christ desires better for us.

1. We have have been warned: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright." (Hebrews 12:14,16) Esau was raised as a third generation Christian. From the time he was born, he was told the story of the promise given to his grandfather, his father, and now him. He was given an opportunity no other person on earth had. As the eldest son, he was in line for the birthright, the promise given by God to Abraham. But at the slightest difficulty, Esau sold his birthright for one measly meal. 

2. We have been favored: "I have a goodly heritage." As a child of God, you have been given a birthright, a heritage. And that heritage is a good one. Your salvation, your Bible, the Holy Spirit living inside of you, your spiritual leaders, every sermon, every Christian book, every prayer for or by you, every trial you go through, every joy you receive, and for those like me: your parents, your grandparents, your church, your raising, and the standards and values that have been instilled in you. Every blessing in your life is a gift from God and is a part of your heritage. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) 

3. We have been chosen: Each of us has a choice, and it's not a choice that is made just once. This choice happens every day, for every area of your life. This is the choice to either sell your birthright, or to build upon your birthright. Just as your earthly father may leave you a monetary inheritance that you can either waste or wisely use and invest, so your Spiritual birthright can be wasted or used wisely. "Every choice is a direction." (Hannah) So what direction are your choices taking you in? Are you striving for holiness? God convicted your parents about the standards and values that they raised you with, which is why they chose them in the first place. Are you starting from the place of sanctification that your raising has given you, building on those standards and values to become closer to God? Or are you trying to see how much you can get away with while still being "Ok"? Stop allowing the devil to trick you into thinking mediocrity is ok. Stive for holiness. Build on your foundation. Don't destroy.

"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage." (Psalm 16:6)